The Chalalan Eco-Lodge

The Chalalán Eco-Lodge, in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, is a five hour canoe trip up river from Rurrenebaque, (depending on river conditions). Chalalán lodge can accommodate up to 24 people; there are 9 cabins accommodating 18 people in double occupancy rooms, plus 3 honeymoon cabins with private bathrooms.

The comfortable Chalalán cabins are nestled in mature rainforest gaps adjacent to Chalalán lake (great for swimming) and are connected by short trails and a 30 minute hike from the Tuichi River. During a stay at the lodge you will have the opportunity to explore the varied ecosystems of the rainforest, experiencing important features such as streams, dominant fruiting trees, claylicks and wetlands where wildlife forrage and congregate. As well as a search for local wildlife, your expert local guides will introduce you to the subtle and intricate beauty within Madidi's forest, explain the behaviour and ecology of local wildlife and the use of plants in the lives of native people for sustenance, construction, art and medicine.

The Chalalán EcoLodge is a project, designed to benefit the local community of Quetchua-Tacana Indians by creating a sustainable and viable alternative economic activity while preserving the resources of the park, thus preventing destructive logging and hunting. Chalalán is now completely administered by the local community and all of the personnel, from cooks and boatmen to guides and office personnel are fully trained local community members.

The lodge is built with the almost exclusive use of materials that could be sustainably harvested in the surrounding forest, solar panels were set up throughout the complex to provide adequate electricity and an ecological sewage disposal system was created. All profits go straight back into the community, helping demonstrate to others in the region that long-term economic development can be best achieved by protecting the forest, not merely exploiting it.

Packages from 3 to 5 nights provide a range of activities and hikes designed to help you get the most out of the jungle while allowing plenty of time to relax.